Mike Evans On His Pursuit of Jerry Rice's Receiving Record: 'It's Right There'
When it comes to evaluating the greatest wide receivers in NFL history, Jerry Rice is the gold standard.
When it comes to discussing the greatest receivers in the history of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the list starts and ends with Mike Evans.
But how does Evans stack up when compared to the most productive receiver in the history of the sport, the GOAT, Jerry Rice?
READ MORE: Former Buccaneers First Round Pick Likely To Get Cut From Las Vegas Raiders
Well, believe it or not, he's on a comparable trajectory — in some areas. The problem is, Jerry Rice's longevity is something that will more than likely secure his place atop the all-time record books for a very long time, even if Evans were to accelerate the pace he's currently on.
Jerry Rice played 303 games in his NFL career. During which, he amassed an incredible 197 receiving touchdowns, 1,549 receptions, and 22,895 receiving yards.
Evans, who in comparison has played just 137 career games, has already produced 81 TD's, 683 receptions, and 10,425 receiving yards
In terms of receiving yards per game, the two are almost identical (Evans - 76.1 vs. Rice - 75.6). The same goes for their yards per reception averages (Evans - 15.3 vs. Rice 14.8).
Although Rice was scoring touchdowns and securing receptions at a rate Evans simply can't compete with, hypothetically, if Evans were to end up playing the same amount of games as Rice (303) — while maintaining the production he's achieved for almost a decade in the NFL already — Evans would actually surpass Rice in career receiving yards.
Even if he's unlikely to ever catch Jerry Rice in most receiving categories, Mike Evans' consistent production over the course of his career is extremely rare.
He's already in the top-25 of receiving touchdowns in NFL history, and he's not even 30 years old. The only other current player in the top-25 all-time for receiving touchdowns is Davante Adams, who will be turning 31 this December. And although Adams has more TDs in his career, Evans has almost 1,000 more receiving yards (788) than Adams.
And let's not forget that prior to playing with Tom Brady for three seasons, Evans was catching passes from Jameis Winston, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Mike Glennon, and Josh McCown.
But as I said, longevity is what separates the great Jerry Rice from pretty much anyone else. After this 2023 season, assuming Mike Evans stays healthy, he will have only reached the halfway point of Rice's career in terms of games played.
So although Evans isn't likely to surpass Rice in career touchdowns, receptions, or even yards — unless he plans to play at this level for another decade plus — Mike Evans does have a chance to surpass one of Rice's records.
Consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons.
As most people reading this already know, Evans owns the NFL record for consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons to start a career. He achieved that feat a couple of seasons ago, when he finished with over 1,000 yards through the air for the seventh consecutive season — passing the great Randy Moss.
In the years since, Evans hasn't waivered from his prolific pace. And this year, he will be going for his 10th consecutive 1,000-yard receiving season to start his career. This puts him in line to have a legitimate chance of supplanting Jerry Rice with the most consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons in a career.
Rice has 11.
It would be an impressive achievement, no doubt. And it's one that we've recently come to learn that Evans himself is very much aware of.
Speaking recently to KRPC2's Ari Alexander at his football camp, Evans offered his perspective on the record.
"I think about it. It's right there, so I'm gonna definitely try to go get that. I'm already one of one right now. I hope I can pass the great Jerry Rice and his record. Obviously, nobody will pass his records probably, like ever, total. But that 1,000-yard streak record would be cool to have."
Mike went on to discuss how despite his high expectations for himself, his top priority is, and will always be team success.
"I should get 1,000 yards if I'm healthy. Every year. It ain't that. I want to be one of the tops in the league. I want to be winning games. That's what I care about."
So although Mike Evans likely won't be around long enough to catch Jerry Rice in the majority of the records he holds, the consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons record remains within his grasp. With nine such seasons under his belt, he just needs two more to tie the legendary, Jerry Rice.
Considering Mike Evans' durability, consistency, and no-nonsense approach to playing the game, there's plenty of reason to believe he has a few more 1,000-yard seasons in him... at least.
READ MORE: Mike Evans Offers His Thoughts On The Current State Of The Buccaneers' Quarterback Battle
Stick with BucsGameday and the Locked On Bucs podcast for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the offseason.
